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Derek Dean
Education
University of Arkansas
B.S. in Agricultural and Life Sciences
Area of concentration: Horticulture
N/A
2019
Work Experience
Graduate Assistant
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Present - 2022
Research & Development Associate
80 Acres / Infinite Acres
Springdale, Arkansas
2022 – 2021
- Created research trials for multiple varieties of tomato and cucumber plants in vertical farming (CEA) systems.
- Created Lighting recipes with Signify lights and corresponding software for CEA systems.
- Organized in depth data collection protocols for tomato and cucumber plants.
- Mentored and trained multiple new hires.
- Personally engineered new devices and systems used for cultivation.
Assistant Head Grower and IPM Manager
Mastronardi Produce (SUNSET)
Brush, Colorado
2021 - 2020
- Developed strategic plans and goals for overall management and oversight of an 18.5-acre greenhouse. Plan, organize, lead and control the daily crop caring tasks.
- Developed IPM strategies for pest and disease control. Monitor pests and manage bio control and bee pollination.
Research and Development Assistant
BOLD Cultivation
Cotton Plant, Arkansas
2020 - 2019
- Developed and assisted with services to the cannabis industry in all facets, whether it be for medicinal cannabis product development, or industrial applications.
Assistant Greenhouse Manager
Nitron Industries
Johnson, Arkansas
2019 - 2018
- Managed and operated two Quonset style greenhouses, maintaining and caring for all plants, planed optimal growing schedules, provided supervision over greenhouse workers, made decisions on organic fertilizer and potting mediums, assisted with soil sample diagnostics.
Skills and Certifications
N/A
N/A
N/A
- Priva, Signify, grodan and CDMS Software
- Q2000 Sonicator
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Analysis
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of and ability to create research trials for CEA systems
- Ability to create and conduct diligent data collecting protocols
- Well versed with micro-tomato varieties
- Ability of training and teaching individuals or teams
- Ability to perform physically demanding work
- Floral Design
- First Aid, CPR & AED Certified (National Safety Council)
- Skill in the use and safe operations of grounds maintenance equipment such as tractors, skid-steer, riding mowers, forklift, trimmers, back hoes, power tools and hand tools.
- Knowledge of techniques and practices for propagating, planting and maintaining, trees, shrubs, bedding plants and ground covers.
- Knowledge, use and application of organic compounds including fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and pesticides.
Teaching Experience
Plant Propagation HORT 5403
University of Arkansas
Spring Semester of 2023
Woody Landscape Plants HORT 3103
University of Arkansas
Fall Semester of 2022
Presentations
Evaluating Spinach Germplasm Resistance Against Oomycete Exposure in a Vertical Farming System
American Society for Horticultural Science
February 5, 2023
GWAS and Genomic Selection for Soybean Sucrose Content
University of Arkansas HORT 6033 Research Project
December 16, 2023
Arkansas Researchers Screen Spinach for Pathogen Resistance in Vertical Hydroponics
University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Article
November 9, 2022
CBD & The Endocannabinoid System
University of Arkansas Student Presentation
December 11, 2019
References
- Mr. Leo DeGroof, GM
SUNSET Produce
Brush, Colorado 80723
970-842-3000
- Dr. Gary McDonald
University of Arkansas
Clinical Assistant Professor
479-575-8780
- Dr. Wayne Mackay
University of Arkansas
Department Chair
479-575-7319
- Mr. David Litvin
Infinite Acres
Crop Specialist
646-623-1680
- Mr. Clint Morris
Owner | Nitron Industries
contact@nitron.com
479-587-1777
- Misty Drennon
BOLD Cultivation, CEO
501-539-1589
misty.drennan@yahoo.com
- Mrs. Shannon Mason
Colorado State University
Floriculture
shannon.mason@colostate.edu